What is the origin of letting the cat out of the bag?

Answer 1

In the olden days,when people would sell piglets at the market, sometimes they would trick the buyers by seeing a cat in the bag instead of a piglet. When the bag was open,the bag would reveal a cat,not a piglet.. This is similar to a dirty secret being spilt,because until you opened the bag, you would never know if you had a piglet or a cat. This website may also help you.... http:/www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag.html

Answer 2

The phrase "letting the cat out of the bag" originates from the practice of medieval farmers who would sometimes sell piglets in bags. Some dishonest sellers would try to pass off a cat instead of a pig, and if the cat was let out of the bag, their deception would be revealed.

Answer 3

Actually, this saying came from nautical origins, specifically in the days of sailing ships. The common form of punishment issued to sailors was lashes. This was given out by use of a whip called a "cat 'o nine tails." The whip was often stored in a cloth bag, and when it was brought out, it was referred to as "letting the cat out of the bag," meaning that someone was in trouble, due to receive punishment.